E46 – Expendable Tech for F-35 Threat Training

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In this episode, Mike sits down with Brett “Snappy”Abbamonte, a former Marine Corps F-35 pilot now at Advanced Strategic Insight (ASI) Inc.

Snappy is the program manager for ELITE (ExpendableLower-cost Integrated Training Emitter), a compact, cost-effective system designed to mimic high-end surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats.

Dive into how this innovative tech is reshaping training,enhancing readiness, and solving a critical warfighter problem—offering a firsthand look at how operators are using ELITE in the field to sharpen their edge.

If you're into military training, cutting-edge technology,and boosting warfighter readiness—this episode is a must-listen.

Links

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• Mike Benitez on LinkedIn

• Brett “Snappy” Abbamonte on LinkedIn

• ASI company

• ELITE product

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00:00 start

01:11 intro

03:08 Snappy

04:49 F-35 magnifies a growing problem

07:21 the 3-solution problem

10:31 good-enough solution space

12:12 ELITE

13:51 size and power

15:35 as a target

17:45 customers

20:27 remote controlled

22:00 how to keep it low cost

23:34 creative training

25:09 how the training looks

26:47 RAF Lakenheath

31:19 SBIR experience

38:02 valley of death

38:34 end of year money

40:27 squadron innovation funds

42:14 expendable concept validated

42:50 Marine Corps weapons school example

44:40 expendable allocation

46:14 tools for innovative training

49:30 memory lane

49:45 callsign story

51:40 outro

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